keyboard

The definition of keyboard

A keyboard on a computer is almost identical to a
keyboard on a typewriter. Computer keyboards will
typically have extra keys, however. Some of these keys
(common examples include Control, Alt, and Meta) are
meant to be used in conjunction with other keys just like
shift on a regular typewriter. Other keys (common
examples include Insert, Delete, Home, End, Help,
function keys,etc.) are meant
to be used independently and often perform editing tasks.
Keyboards on different platforms
will often look slightly different and have somewhat
different collections of keys. Some keyboards even have
independent shift lock and caps lock keys. Smaller
keyboards with only math-related keys are typically
called "keypads".